Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 22, 1955 in Chicago, IL

 

Phillip Johnston is a renowned composer and saxophonist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Johnston grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. From a young age, Johnston was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, which helped shape his unique style. Johnston began playing the saxophone at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He went on to study music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1977. After graduation, Johnston moved to New York City, where he began his career as a professional musician. In the early 1980s, Johnston became a member of the Microscopic Septet, a jazz ensemble that gained a cult following for their unique blend of swing, bebop, and avant-garde jazz. Johnston's contributions to the group helped establish him as a talented composer and saxophonist. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Johnston continued to perform with the Microscopic Septet and other jazz ensembles, while also pursuing his interest in classical music. In 1994, he composed his first major work for classical ensemble, a piece called "Diggin' Bones," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet. "Diggin' Bones" was a critical success and helped establish Johnston as a composer of classical music. The piece was praised for its innovative use of rhythm and harmony, as well as its incorporation of jazz and blues elements. In the years that followed, Johnston continued to compose for classical ensembles, including the Bang on a Can All-Stars and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. His works were characterized by their complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and use of improvisation. One of Johnston's most notable works is "The Adventures of Prince Achmed," a score he composed for the 1926 silent film of the same name. The score, which was commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music, was praised for its ability to enhance the emotional impact of the film. In addition to his work as a composer, Johnston has also had a successful career as a performer. He has recorded several albums as a solo artist and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including John Zorn, Marc Ribot, and Bill Frisell. Johnston's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2010, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to continue his work as a composer. He has also been a recipient of the American Music Center's Letter of Distinction and the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship. Today, Johnston continues to compose and perform, and his work continues to be celebrated for its innovative approach to classical music. His contributions to the world of music have helped bridge the gap between jazz and classical music, and his unique style has inspired countless musicians and composers around the world.

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